1 week ago
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Ruben Dias is expected to sign a new contract at Manchester City as the defender gets the deal he was looking for
Manchester City have agreed terms on a new contract with Ruben Dias as a busy transfer window shows no signs of slowing down.
The Blues were emphatic in the transfer market before the Club World Cup, bringing in four players to the first team squad with three of those expected to challenged for a regular place in Pep Guardiola's starting lineup. James Trafford was added to that number last week, while youngster Sverre Nypan is also training with the group after signing even if he is expected to go on loan.
With almost all if not all of City's incomings sorted for the window, work is ongoing for the rest of their business. Jack Grealish, James McAtee and Kalvin Phillips are among those set to leave, and more departures will be needed if everyone in the squad is going to be eligible to play in the Champions League group stage.
As well as that, City have moved to agree a new deal with Dias to extend his stay at the club. The centre-back made an instant impression after signing in 2020 and last season was his first at the Etihad that hasn't ended with him lifting the Premier League title.
Dias has made himself one of the leaders of the squad, having been part of the captaincy group for the last few years. He will continue that role this year under new skipper and fellow Portugal international Bernardo Silva.
With his current deal set to run out in 2027, Dias has been keen to get a new contract sorted for most of the year. That has now been agreed in principle with the club, with all parties expecting it to be formalised.
Despite a disappointing year last season, Dias has spoken of the hunger he still has to drive the team forward.
“I'm 27 and I feel like I've a lot to give,” he told the Manchester Evening News in March. “Not because my age says so, but because my feeling and will says so. This is my fifth season and I still want to win so much.
“In the end, we all want to win. The two centre-backs, Nico [Gonzalez], Omar [Marmoush] and Claudio [Echeverri] all come starving and they want to win.
“To be in a club like this, you want nothing else. You want people that are starving and want to win at all costs. We welcome them in a very happy and motivated way because they will be part of the process.
“Whatever happens you try and be there for whatever you are needed for. That is a responsibility as a captain but also as a player for this club and a team that wants to fight for everything. It’s the way to be around here.”
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